Gracepoint Homes is bringing a touch of New Orleans to its new Marion community of 44 homes in Shenandoah north of the Exxon Mobil campus.

The details are reflected in the recently opened model home, dubbed the Madeline plan, at 104 McGoey. The home features a wrought-iron balcony, hurricane shutters and painted brick. With a base price of around $660,000 the model has more than 3,500 square feet and another 700 square feet of outdoor living space.

Gracepoint Homes is developing and building all 44 houses in the gated enclave, which was named after the mother of Gracepoint Homes’ president Tom Cox Jr. Home designs range from 3,500 to 4,000 square feet.

“We toured New Orleans, walked the famed Garden District and took thousands of photographs that we later studied to determine which architectural features we wanted to incorporate into Marion’s streetscape,” Cox said in an announcement.

The streetscape is designed to be reminiscent of New Orleans’ Garden District.

“We were very precise in selecting the color palette, the wrought-iron patterns and other decorative elements,” Cox said. “Lush landscaping also is an important feature, but one homeowners won’t have to worry about as ongoing yard and exterior maintenance is included.”

The neighborhood has already logged some sales, even though the model just opened.

“Sales started in the community as soon as it opened,” said Phil Talamonti, sales representative for Gracepoint Homes, said in an announcement. “We’ve had quite a few sales, which is unusual before a model grand opening.”

Shenandoah is adjacent to The Woodlands and Marion is near The Woodlands Town Center, Market Street and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Students will attend Conroe ISD schools in The Woodlands.

“Marion has another advantage and that’s lower taxes,” Talamonti said. “Purchasing a $500,000 home in Marion as opposed to spending the same amount in The Woodlands will save a homeowner nearly 42 percent on taxes — about $4,000 annually. That’s a pretty big swing.”